Ancient Egypt

With Christopher Nolan's film adaptation on the horizon, it's time for us to finally read one of the most iconic classics of Greek literature: Homer's *Odyssey*! We'll be continuing on from last meeting to books 9-16 of the epic poem, which cover the most perilous episodes of Odysseus's journey back to the island of Ithaca, such as his encounter with the Cyclops and the witch Circe. I will be reading from the modern and very accessible [Wilson translation](https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-odyssey-homer/75c6123a70f69665?ean=9780393356250&next=t), but feel free to use whichever version you prefer. As usual, we will meet in the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in the **205-B Accessibility Room**, located on the second floor. Ask at the Center for Accessibility front desk if you are looking for us. See you there!

Come learn how money really works. We’ll cover how to grow it, protect it, get out of debt, and use smart retirement and infinite banking strategies to build long-term security.

Join us for our June Meetup @ Solid State Books! We'll be reading Go Gentle by Maria Semple. This novel tells the story of a woman in mid-life who thinks she has everything figured out, until her world is turned completely upside down. We'll explore starting over in the funny and romantic romp of a book.

💃 Beginner-Friendly Dance Fitness Get ready to move, sweat, and have fun! This high-energy class blends Brazilian Carnival vibes with global street dance for a full-body workout that doesn’t feel like one. ✨ No experience needed ✨ No partner required ✨ Just come ready to move and enjoy the music Expect a fun, welcoming environment where you can let go, build confidence, and leave feeling amazing. 📍 Location: Salsa With Silvia (Bethesda) – Studio B ⏰ Please arrive 5–10 minutes early 💵 Drop-in: $12 (pay at the door or message for details) 🔗 More info + schedule: https://fitnesswithmikissz.com/connect-with-miki Let’s sweat, dance, and make it a vibe 🔥

We will be playing **Dune: Imperium** and **Dune: Imperium - Uprising** with up to 4 players per game. All experience levels welcome. Expect the game teach to start promptly within the first 10 minutes. **Dune: Imperium** is a game that uses deck building to add a hidden information angle to traditional worker placement. As a leader of one of the Great Houses of the Landsraad, raise your banner and marshal your forces and spies. War is coming, and at the center of the conflict is Arrakis – Dune, the desert planet. Cards allow you to send your Agents to certain spaces on the game board, so how your deck evolves affects your strategy. You might become more powerful militarily, able to deploy more troops than your opponents. Or you might acquire cards that give you an edge with the four political factions represented in the game: the Emperor, the Spacing Guild, the Bene Gesserit, and the Fremen. Defeat your rivals in combat, shrewdly navigate the political factions, and acquire precious cards. The Spice must flow to lead your House to victory! **Dune: Imperium** Find [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvX9EYxQEfY&pp=ygUZaG93IHRvIHBsYXkgZHVuZSBpbXBlcml1bQ%3D%3D) a how to play video on youtube. Find [here](https://www.direwolfdigital.com/dune-imperium/resources/rules/) the rulebook. **Dune: Imperium - Uprising** Find [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cwzF63F0ks&pp=ygUiaG93IHRvIHBsYXkgZHVuZSBpbXBlcml1bSB1cHJpc2luZw%3D%3D) a how to play video on youtube. Find [here](https://www.direwolfdigital.com/dune-imperium/resources/diu_rules) the rulebook. Note: Please remember to update your RSVP if you can not attend the event. By updating your RSVP when you can't make it other players on the waitlist will have a chance to attend. No-shows may make it harder to attend future meetups. Also, all library rules apply to this meetup event. Mainly that no food is allowed in the library. Covered drinks are allowed.

**MLK Library - Room 302E** So many of us have a bucket list of things we hope to do or achieve before we “kick the bucket”! But do we also need to consider creating a spiritual bucket list – not just a list of things we want to do, but of things we want to be? And do we wait to one day just become these things, or are these things we can – and should we – be working on right now, day by day? What makes a bucket list meaningful is that it be a reflection of what you value and desire – a tool to help push ourselves to grow and develop and fulfill our highest aspirations. Things like skydiving, traveling, running a marathon, and buying a house are common to-do’s helping us achieve our material aspirations. But what about considering our ultimate to-do’s to fulfill our spiritual purpose? What if we aspired to grow spiritually, to be kinder and more virtuous people, to help others in need? Do we need to wait for some future time to do these things, or can we actually draw closer every day to achieving these goals through our daily choices and spiritual habits? What would it look like to live a life designed around reaching these spiritual goals and reaching our true, spiritual purpose? How can we support each other in checking off our spiritual bucket lists? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the deeper truths that unite us – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on fulfilling our spiritual purpose. Please join us for a lively discussion as we explore how we can each live a life of spiritual growth and fulfillment and create communities that support each and every one of us. *“Material progress insures the happiness of the human world. Spiritual progress insures the happiness and eternal continuance of the soul.”* – Bahá’í Teachings **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

The opening of the Great American State Fair offers a unique opportunity to take in the story of two of the nation's most historic locales: the National Mall and the Capitol Building grounds. Home to the "nation's park" and to the U.S. Congress, justly renowned for its stunning architecture and landscaping. And to two centuries of their often wild, often secret, past! Visit the State Fair before or after the tour! When: Sunday, June 28, 5 pm. What: A walking tour of the Mall and the Capitol’s grounds that covers two centuries of intrigue and scandal, and many uplifting feats as well. Where: Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, 540 Independence Ave S.W., Washington, DC 20202; at the corner of 5th and Indepedence. Price: Starts at $25. Pre-register and Pre-pay via— Eventbrite: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-american-state-fair-to-capitol-building-hidden-history-walk-tickets-1992510909768?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-american-state-fair-to-capitol-building-hidden-history-walk-tickets-1992510909768?aff=oddtdtcreator) Or PayPal, sending $26 to: [paypal.me/EMoser460](http://paypal.me/EMoser460) Or pay $26 in cash at the start of the tour. Length. About 2 hours. Nearby metro stops: Federal Center S.W., Union Station. Tip: Bring drinking water; use a restroom before the tour (Facilities are scarce). ;) Also, don't drive in: many road closures near the fair. We'll draw from the following episodes of the locales's amazing saga: • When the British entered Washington, D.C.--not to play soccer, but to burn it down! • Eisenhower and Iran, civil rights, and D-Day! • Saving Private Ryan at the Capitol • The near fatal beating of a Senator by a Congressman • The suprising story behind the Capitol's Statue of Freedom • Bootlegged spirits by the legislators of Prohibition • The lovely fountain of Central Park's designer • Where and why Washington fired L'Enfant • The astonishing "autograph" on the U.S. Grant statue • Anne Frank at the Capitol • The amazing backstory to the American Indian museum • Thomas Jefferson's election faceoff with Aaron Burr • The Army veterans vs. MacArthur & Patton • The unusual demise of convicted spies • Where the Father of His Country laid the Capitol's cornerstone • The bombings of the Senate • The Highest Court in the Land • America's Captain Cook • The Founding Father of American architecture And more! Your guide is a former writer for the “Tonight Show”, and ex-White House speechwriter, historian and professional tour guide, and author of 14 books, such as: The Lost History of the Capitol: [https://www.amazon.com/Lost-History-Capitol-Tumultuous-Congress/dp/B09LVXZB8T/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0](https://www.amazon.com/Lost-History-Capitol-Tumultuous-Congress/dp/B09LVXZB8T/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0) And his latest, Femme Fatalité, a Georgetown spy thriller: [https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit](https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit)é-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 We’re on TripAdvisor!: [https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html) Think history’s boring? Think again!!

This is an absolute beginner Bachata group class. It is specifically designed for those with no prior experience in Bachata and participations does not require having a partner. $25 per person for 90 minute class. [Click Here to Sign Up](https://form.jotform.com/250681156839162) Every Other Sunday: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Beginner Bachata.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Dune and Messiahs,”** on word of saviors in religion and science fiction, with Peter Herman, former lecturer in theology and religious studies at Marymount University and scholar of religious and social themes in sci fi. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-dune-messiahs](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-dune-messiahs) .] *Dune: Part Three* is scheduled for release in December, and trailers for the epic space opera film have fans of the *Dune* franchise longing for it like visitors to its desert planet Arrakis long for water. Based on the second volume of renowned science fiction novelist Frank Herbert's *Dune* saga, the movie depicts the internal and external conflicts of protagonist Paul Atreides, an emperor treated by others as a messiah while being depicted as an antihero. The film will raise intriguing questions related to the presence of redeeming figures, or messiahs, throughout both science fiction and religious texts. Among them: What exactly do we mean by the term “messiah”? Why have many religious traditions looked for a redeemer to emerge? What happens if the messiah gets it all wrong? Explore such questions—and prepare yourself to enjoy the upcoming *Dune* film at a much deeper level—with Dr. Peter Herman, who has given several excellent, thought-provoking Profs and Pints talks on the *Dune* franchise. To center *Dune* in the discussion, we’ll look at the character of Paul Atriedes as a ruler who has launched a jihad across known space to reconquer it. His prescient visions show him that although the spread of religious war is not optimal, neither is it the worst potential future for humanity, and he allows excess and violence to continue in his name out of a conviction that it’s for the greater good. Throughout the book on which the upcoming film is based, Atriedes struggles with his followers' desire to view him as a divine figure. Dr. Herman, a trained theologian, will set such themes in the broader context of religious studies by discussing messianic figures across various religious traditions. Among them, Christianity names Jesus of Nazareth as the messiah, but he is hardly the first person in the canonical Bible given that title. Mainstream Judaism does not anticipate any similar, deified figure descending from heaven, but messianic strains of Judaism have looked for the arrival of a political liberator. Islam, from which Frank Herbert borrowed terms applied to Paul Atriedes, contains reference to someone serving not as a redeemer but as a heavenly guide. All branches of Buddhism situate within each new age of their cyclical cosmology a Buddha-yet-to-come. We’ll look at the human tendency in confusing times to seek out direct, uncomplicated answers and to embrace messianism as part of apocalypticism, which foretells a straightforward sorting process in which believers, as good people, see reward while their enemies, as bad people, see punishment. *Dune* fans will feel rewarded for coming to this talk. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

* **Would you like to look deeper into the source of life?** * **Do you want to find your own answers to everyday questions?** * **Singing HU can bring you Love, Happiness, and Stability** **You’re warmly invited to join us at our** **Friday HU Chant at 7:00 pm** **You will be welcome to chant out loud or simply listen, whatever is right for you. The chant lasts about 20 minutes, followed by brief contemplative time and conversation with others of like heart.** **Attend In-Person at:** **The Maryland Eckankar Center** **1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104** **Silver Spring, MD 20903** **(Doors open at 6:30 pm)** **Check out our local events at [EckankarMaryland.org](http://eckankarmaryland.org)** **For more information:** **Call or text: (301) 439-2120** **MEC@eckankarmaryland.org** **Presented by the DC & Maryland Satsang Societies, Inc. Chartered Affiliates of ECKANKAR.** **Copyright © 2025 ECKANKAR. The terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOUL TRAVEL, and VAIRAGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 U.S.A.**

From American State Fair to Capitol Building: Hidden History Walk, June 28! The opening of the Great American State Fair offers a unique opportunity to take in the story of two of the nation's most historic locales: the National Mall and the Capitol Building grounds. Home to the "nation's park" and to the U.S. Congress, justly renowned for its stunning architecture and landscaping. And to two centuries of their often wild, often secret, past! Visit the State Fair before or after the tour! When: Sunday, June 28, 5 pm. What: A walking tour of the Mall and the Capitol’s grounds that covers two centuries of intrigue and scandal, and many uplifting feats as well. Where: Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, 540 Independence Ave S.W., Washington, DC 20202; at the corner of 5th and Indepedence. Price: Starts at $25. Pre-register and Pre-pay via— Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-american-state-fair-to-capitol-building-hidden-history-walk-tickets-1992510909768?aff=oddtdtcreator Or PayPal, sending $26 to: paypal.me/EMoser460 Or pay $26 in cash at the start of the tour. Length. About 2 hours. Nearby metro stops: Federal Center S.W., Union Station. Tip: Bring drinking water; use a restroom before the tour (Facilities are scarce). ;) We'll draw from the following episodes of the locales's amazing saga: • When the British entered Washington, D.C.--not to play soccer, but to burn it down! • Eisenhower and Iran, civil rights, and D-Day! • Saving Private Ryan at the Capitol • The near fatal beating of a Senator by a Congressman • The suprising story behind the Capitol's Statue of Freedom • Bootlegged spirits by the legislators of Prohibition • The lovely fountain of Central Park's designer • Where and why Washington fired L'Enfant • The astonishing "autograph" on the U.S. Grant statue • Anne Frank at the Capitol • The amazing backstory to the American Indian museum • Thomas Jefferson's election faceoff with Aaron Burr • The Army veterans vs. MacArthur & Patton • The unusual demise of convicted spies • Where the Father of His Country laid the Capitol's cornerstone • The bombings of the Senate • The Highest Court in the Land • America's Captain Cook • The Founding Father of American architecture And more! Your guide is a former writer for the “Tonight Show”, and ex-White House speechwriter, historian and professional tour guide, and author of 14 books, such as: The Lost History of the Capitol: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-History-Capitol-Tumultuous-Congress/dp/B09LVXZB8T/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0 And his latest, Femme Fatalité, a Georgetown spy thriller: https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 We’re on TripAdvisor!: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html Think history’s boring? Think again!!

The water lilies and lotuses are blooming at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens! Let's explore the gardens and go for a walk on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail! ❶ **What we'll do:** * From 9 to 10 am we'll do about 2 miles of unstructured wandering around LBJ Memorial Pond to enjoy and photograph the aquatic plants and the boardwalks to the west. If you arrive later, which is fine, just come on in and join us in the gardens! * At 10 am, we'll reconvene in front of the Visitor Center and go for a 1.9-mile walk on the Anacostia River and back along the Anacostia River Trail. The River Trail is paved and fairly level. * The total walk is about 4 miles. We should finish at around 11:30 am. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/kxha6n4a](https://tinyurl.com/kxha6n4a) ❷ **How to get there:** * The parking lot entrance is located at 4505 Anacostia Avenue NE, Washington D.C. (The official address is 1550 Anacostia Avenue NE, Washington, DC.) From the parking lot, a path through the woods leads to the Visitor Center. The park is accessible by Metro from the Deanwood Metro Stop on the Orange Line. * For detailed directions, see the NPS web site, [http://www.nps.gov/keaq/planyourvisit/directions.htm](http://www.nps.gov/keaq/planyourvisit/directions.htm) ❸ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes please). Insect repellent, sunscreen, and maybe an umbrella are recommended. A camera is a handy accessory. ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 88F, with a 24% chance of showers at start, falling to 14% by noon. Light NW winds. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/mrtd3muc](https://tinyurl.com/mrtd3muc) ❺ **Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are restrooms and drinking fountains at the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Visitor Center. ❼ **Notes:** * "Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens," Official National Park Service Website, [http://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm](http://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm)

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

**Synchronicity: Coincidence or Divine Guidance?** Have you ever experienced a “coincidence” that felt too perfect to ignore? A chance encounter, repeated sign, or unexpected moment that seemed to arrive right on time? Join us at Unity of Columbus as Michelle Harcha explores the mystery of synchronicity and how these meaningful moments may be guiding us toward greater wisdom, purpose, and connection. After Sunday’s message, stay for an interactive workshop where Michelle will share practical tools inspired by Byron Katie and Marilee Adams to help us recognize and align with Divine guidance.

Come join us for lunch together at Bendi Wok, one of my favorites!

This is not an event, but an announcement that we are accepting new members. If you'd like to pursue joining our group, please read the "about us" section and then write us at columbusmensgroup@gmail.com with a few paragraphs about yourself, what you'd like to experience in the group, and the contribution that you'd like to make. Thank you!

This month we’ll be reading Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia